MANILA, Philippines - Science is usually taught through the discussion of theories and principles, making it seem tedious and even intimidating for some students.
But engineer Filemon Berba, president of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology, believes science can be interesting and fun if students are allowed to explore and experience it.
“It’s easier to learn and understand things if they are experienced. Which is why supplementing discussions of theories and principles with actual exposure to interactive exhibits can really help them appreciate science better,” explains Berba.
The Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology (PFST) runs the Philippine Science Centrum (PSC), the first “hands-on” science museum-center in the country, providing a concrete model of the interactive learning system.
The PSC follows a comprehensive educational program composed of various interactive science exhibit modules and write-ups, teacher activities, lessons, and projects.
Since it is intended to give supplementary experiential science learning to students, the PSC follows the Department of Education curriculum.
“Teachers really find the PSC tour very helpful as it supplements their theoretical discussions in class with experiential learning,” Berba says.
Berba also shares that the PSC experience has made some students interested to learn more and even dream of a career in science.
“A researcher from UP did a survey of those who have visited the center in the past. It revealed that more than 60 percent of the student-respondents got interested to take a course in science because they were inspired by their PSC experience,” he says.
“What kids get from some centers and museums is mostly fun and entertainment. At Science Centrum, we let the kids play around with the things they see in their textbooks, helping them understand and appreciate their lessons. We provide them with an experience that provides entertainment and, more importantly, learning,” he adds.
The PSC also manages three traveling exhibits touring the country with the help of the DepEd and various local government units. Since 1994, the exhibits have visited more than 80 cities and municipalities, Berba says.
But this isn’t enough for the PFST, which intends to get as more young people exposed to the basics and fundamentals of science and mathematics.
“We intend to expand by putting on more exhibits as well as updating existing exhibits to reflect new things that are taking place while still sticking to the fundamentals. We also want to increase the number of our traveling exhibits. We’re currently working on our fourth,” Berba says.
The PSC is celebrating its 19th year. To abide by its commitment to make science interesting to more young people, it launched the PSC Search for Exhibits from the Youth (PSC SEXY) aimed at encouraging high school students, from both private and public, to create their own science exhibits.
Winners of the contest included UP-Integrated School for Water Pressure Gravity (first prize), a group from Grace Christian College for Twirling Disaster (second), and another group from Grace Christian College for the Lunar Clock.
All the winning entries are now permanent exhibits at the PSC.
The PFST plans to expand its operations in the next five years. Part of this expansion is the development of more exhibits and galleries. During the PSC anniversary celebration, it provided a sneak peek on its new galleries and exhibits.
The PSC is located at Building D, Riverbanks Center, 84 A. Bonifacio Avenue, Marikina City. For details, call 942-5136 or 942-4137 or check out its website at www.science-centrum.ph.